Marty Music Guitar Academy is a new AXS TV show hosted by beloved guitar instructor and YouTube sensation “Marty Music” Schwartz, who has built a loyal following of more than 3.8 million subscribers for his personable demeanor and expert ability to teach a wide variety of complex topics in an approachable and easy-to-understand way—from improvisation and modes and scales, to tutorials and so much more. Having served as both a school music teacher, private guitar instructor, and touring musician in several rock bands, Marty has influenced and inspired generations of aspiring pickers and seasoned pros alike, remaining a core voice of guitar culture and amassing over two billion views. I’m Music Magazine had the chance to sit down with Marty last week to talk about the new show and much more.
I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Kris Cagle: We actually met at Jared James Nichols’ album release and I remember you saying that you were living part time in Nashville? Have you been enjoying Music City?
Marty Schwartz: I love it here, I come in and film content for about two weeks then head back to California. Funny enough, it’s during the hottest time of the year but I don’t mind. I like being close to the Gibson Garage and there is no shortage of opportunities out here for me and the team.
It looks like your new show with AXS TV will be a new venture for you. Will you use the same format as your Youtube channel? Give me some idea as to how episodes will work.
So there will be dedicated themes for each episode, for example “Campfire songs” or genre specific themes such as Grunge or Hair Metal Anthems. We’re really hoping to make the show inviting to more than people just looking for guitar tutorials, kinda like watching Bob Ross or cooking shows where you enjoy the process but you may not cook or paint along. In the future we plan to have special guests come on the show and learn about their techniques and even host jams. AXS TV has lots of great music content already and we’re excited to bring a new type of program to their audience, guitar focused learning on tv hasn’t really been done and I’m excited to get the ball rolling.
You’ve been making guitar tutorials and Youtube content for almost 15 years now. I have to ask, was there a specific guitarist or band that gave you the inspiration to pick up the guitar for the first time?
Well, I’d have to say it was Blues Traveler, I’m big on the bands of the 90’s and saw them perform, they were a jam band before that term was even invented. They introduced me to the harmonica and I picked it up and played along to blues music to learn the basics. Eventually I learned enough to be able to jam with some friend’s bands which led me to picking up the guitar.
I consider you a “Meme King” and notice how you can reach Gen Z and Millennials with your funny memes and video editing but also retain the older crowd with the songs that you use in your tutorials. Do you notice having to change up your teaching style for each?
For me, I grew up with the pop culture of the 80’s and 90’s but have always had an appreciation for the riffs of the 60’s and 70’s. Most of the younger viewers, I suppose, would consider my humor to be “Dad Jokes” but it’s cool to be able to get that reception from them as they get out of their comfort zone and learn about different types of music through watching the videos. It’s also cool to hear from newer bands that let me know they grew up watching and learning from my content, Greta Van Fleet is a good example.
Do you ever plan to get a band going to write and tour with?
Well, I do have a band that I call upon when asked to do special performances but I got a lot of the touring in a van and local stuff out of my system before I started the channel. It is nice to not have to depend so much on that stuff to be able to continue my musical journey as I enjoy teaching others and making content can be just as much work as going on the road. That being said, I do love it when a band or artist asks me to come join them on stage. There is less behind the scenes work that needs to be done and I can enjoy playing music that much more with them. At the Jared James Nichols show I got to perform Free Bird with Peter Keys as well as other big names and that’s the type of show I like to do special guest type jams.
It looks like you have a show on 6/28 at the Gibson Garage?
Yes! It is a recurring event I have been doing with them recently where I host a form of open jam with a backing band and let people come up and perform or even get a lesson or two from me. A lot of young shredders come and show their skills off but I get a lot of tourists who are just passing through and, without any music background, get up and jam with me. It’s a great way for new players and seasoned players to get a feel for playing with a drummer and backing band.
You’re endorsed by Gibson. Would you ever consider releasing a custom guitar with them? Acoustic or Electric?
Actually, it hasn’t been announced yet but the plan is to put out my own Epiphone ES-335, cherry red with a hardshell case. I really wanted to make sure that the guitar was at an entry level price point to ensure that beginners could have an accessible way to get into the world of guitar. I also wanted the guitar to come with a hardshell case as it shows the importance of taking care of the guitar and keeps you from settling for a gig bag.
To check out Marty Music Guitar Academy you can access AXS TV through the app store on your smart tv or via their website https://www.axs.tv/ The show will premiere on July 11th at 8pm Eastern time (7pm Central.) Also subscribe to his Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/martymusic
I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Kris Cagle
